Tomales Bay mariculture forum

By

Trevor Hunnicutt

05/09/2013

While the largest oyster supplier in Marin County is fighting for its survival, oysterman and restaurateur Luc Chamberland envisions an expansion of mariculture in Tomales Bay. Mr. Chamberland, owner of Saltwater Oyster Depot in Inverness and founder of Pickleweed Point Community Oyster Farm, is promoting Farming on the Half Shell, a panel next weekend that will convene renowned authors and mariculture experts to talk about the history and benefits—environmental and economic—of oyster farming and encourage new producers to use unused leases in the bay to grow the humble mollusk with a storied history on the California coast. The state has 520 acres of lease parcels, some of which are under cultivation. A limited number of tickets for the event, which takes place May 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Launch for Hire Boathouse in Inverness, can be purchased for $30 at saltwateroysterdepot.com. A catered lunch will be provided.